In Loving Memory of Giovanni (John) DiMilia
July 8, 1932 - October 26, 2023
John DiMilia, a beloved resident of Bloomfield, NJ, peacefully passed away on October 26, 2023. He was 91 years old.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2nd, from 4pm to 8pm. A Christian Burial Mass will be celebrated at 11am at St. Lucy's Church (please arrive at the funeral home by 10am). John will be interred at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Upper Montclair, NJ.
Born in Calitri, Italy, John immigrated to the United States, settling in Montclair, New Jersey, in 1959. It was at the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Montclair where he met the love of his life, Maira (née DiBenedetto). Throughout his life, John remained a devoted family man and a cherished friend to many. After residing in the North Ward of Newark until 1984, he and his family made their home in Bloomfield, NJ.
John was an extraordinarily active and proud volunteer, dedicating his time to various organizations. He was an original member and co-founder of the St. Vito Club in Montclair. John also served as consigliere and member of Ieri Oggi Domani, while simultaneously being a founding board member of the Cystinosis Foundation of New Jersey. His deep devotion to St. Gerard led him to serve as a Guard of Honor, and he was a well-known figure to many parishioners and visitors to St. Lucy's Church. John lived by the motto, "tutti è possibile," believing that with God, all things are possible.
Over his working years, John was employed as a painter at Westinghouse for more than 25 years. Subsequently, he worked at Mountainside Hospital and Schering-Plough Pharmaceutical for over two decades. While at Schering-Plough, he volunteered for the fire brigade and played a vital role in the team. John generously volunteered his time and skills to paint St. Lucy's Church, rectory, school, and orphanage over many years. He took great joy in serving and assisting others. He was also known for his talents as a gardener and his enthusiasm for soccer.
John is survived by his loving wife, Maria, his daughter, Dr. Mary Jo DiMilia, his two sons, Joseph and Nicholas, and his daughters-in-law, Michelle. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucia Della Badia (residing in Switzerland) and Margherita Metallo, as well as his sisters-in-law, Immacolata DiBenedetto and Flavia DiBenedetto. John was the beloved Godfather of Michelle Lotrecchiano, Anita Stabile, and Marcella Clatworthy, and he was a cherished Uncle John to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was affectionately known as "Nonno" to Dylan, Luke, and Joshua Pilotti and grand dogs Bobby, Toby, and Gnocchi. John was predeceased by his brothers-in-laws Gerardo, Gaetano, and Donato DiBenedetto, and his sister-in-laws Anna (Nina) DiBenedetto and Connie Freda. He will be deeply missed by his family and a wide circle of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to support the restoration of the National Shrine of St. Gerard at St. Lucy's Church in Newark, NJ, and the Cystinosis Foundation of New Jersey. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
John's memory will forever live on in our hearts, and his legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire us all.